During his set on the Grand Ole Opry on Jan. 17, Gene Watson was surprised by Vince Gill with an invitation to join the esteemed club.

“He’s one of the greatest country singers that’s walked the earth,” said Vince during Gene’s introduction. After Gene performed “Sometimes I Get Lucky and Forget” and “Nothing Sure Looked Good On You,” Vince asked, “Would you mind singing ‘Farewell Party’? The Opry told me if you would, you could be the next member of the Grand Ole Opry.”

Gene replied, “I’m not sure I have anything left after that kind of surprise.” Gene performed the tune as the sold-out crowd gave him a standing ovation.

Gene, who made his Opry debut 55 years ago at the age of 21, scored a number of Top 10 hits in the 1970s and ’80s, including “Love in the Hot Afternoon,” “Paper Rosie,” “Fourteen Carat Mind,” “You’re Out Doing What I’m Here Doing Without” and more.

Gene’s invitation to join the Opry follows recent inductees Luke Combs (July 2019), Kelsea Ballerini (April 2019), Mark Wills (January 2019), Dustin Lynch (September 2018) and Chris Janson (March 2018).

Gene will be formally inducted into the Opry later this year.